The municipality of Summerland has finally broken ground on its Summerland Skatepark.
The park, which is more than 929 square metres, will include bowl and street features to accommodate all levels of users.
“Construction of a new skatepark in Summerland has been a long-time objective for Summerland council,” Mayor Peter Waterman said. “I anticipate this new community asset will be a hub of activity for residents and visitors to Summerland.”
NewLine Skateparks Inc. has been contracted to design and construct the park.
The construction work began at the end of August. The park is expected to be substantially complete by the end of November.
The park is on school district property at the corner of Rosedale Avenue and Jubilee Road West.
“The Board of Education has been pleased to have been an integral partner in bringing the dream of the Summerland Skatepark to this reality by providing the property said Julie Planiden, acting chair of the Okanagan Skaha School Board.
“The trustees believe that this family -focused asset will benefit the entire community and attract young families as future residents.
The Penny Lane Charity Shop Society made an initial commitment of $145,000 to the project five years ago.
“The Penny Lane Charity Shop Society is very pleased to see the skatepark project come to fruition,” said Bruce Hallquist, founding director of the society. “I am sure that the youth will appreciate the efforts of the community of Summerland. Ultimately the whole community came together to get the project done.”
Contributions to the community came to roughly $10,000.
The municipality provided the remaining funding through Federal Gas Tax — Community Works Funding.
The cost of the project is estimated at $600,000.